How to Safely Handle Vermiculite Insulation
Posted in Asbestos Removal, on July 20, 2021
Vermiculite is a naturally occurring fire-resistant mineral that expands when exposed to heat, creating air pockets. Having such properties, expanded vermiculite is an excellent insulation material and is widely used for this purpose. Although it doesn’t pose any harm on its own, vermiculite can be contaminated with asbestos – a hazardous material that causes severe diseases. Mining includes a lot of activities that disturb the substrate, so when natural deposits of asbestos are found near vermiculite mines, the risk of contamination is high. The probability that some asbestos fibrils will make their way into the extracted vermiculite is great.
If the contaminated vermiculite ends up in your insulation, it can result in asbestos exposure that often flies under the radar for a long time. Many homes in the city are at risk of this, so getting asbestos testing in Toronto is the best way to reveal the presence of this material. If the results come back positive, it is advised to reach out for professional asbestos removal in Toronto and get rid of this hazard as soon as possible.
Identify Vermiculite Insulation
Vermiculite insulation is characterized by granular structure, with particles usually gray, brown or silverish-gold in colour, often including reflective mica bits. It is most commonly found in attics, where it covers the floor. Recognizing whether the vermiculite is contaminated or not cannot be done with a simple visual inspection. If you are not certain about the type of insulation in your home, asbestos testing in Toronto can help you determine correctly whether there is a risk of contamination.
What Should I Do If I Have Vermiculite Insulation?
To reduce any potential dangers, it is best to not use the attic altogether, not even for storage. If you must enter this area, wear protective clothing (disposable overalls, shoe covers, gloves) and a respiratory mask to prevent contact with asbestos microfibrils. Avoid disturbing the insulation in any way, and seek out professional asbestos testing in Toronto to see if there is a danger of exposure. If the insulation contains more than 1% asbestos, it should definitely be removed. The sooner the better.
Asbestos Removal in Toronto
Asbestos is a hazardous material, so its handling and removal are best left to the experts. Due to the physical qualities of its microfibrils, it can easily become airborne and spread to previously uncontaminated areas. Professional asbestos removal in Toronto offers safe and thorough asbestos abatement, with minimal risk of exposure and contamination spread.
Hiring certified staff of Canada Restoration Services is a guarantee of quality service and a job well done. Our highly skilled technicians and inspectors have years of experience in asbestos abatement and home remediation, always ready to take on small-scale as well as large-scale projects. Asbestos removal should be conducted with safety as the number one priority, and all CRS technicians are trained to deliver high safety standards. At CRS, we respond quickly to remove traces of asbestos from your attic and insulation.
Call us today and schedule asbestos removal for your Toronto home.
